Bristol Blenheim Night Fighters Parts 1, 2 & 3

Owl Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Ed Russell

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Background

More than 200 Blenheim MkI bombers were modified into Mk IF long-range fighters. First users were 600 (Auxiliary Air Force) Squadron based at Hendon in September 1938. By 1939, seven squadrons were operating them in Fighter and Coastal Commands. The Blenheim IF was deficient in armament, speed and maneuverability and losses soon relegated them to night fighter duties where they had better success.

With AI Mk III radar the Blenheim proved itself invaluable as a night fighter. Gradually in 1940–1941, the Blenheim was supplanted by its faster, better-armed descendant the Bristol Beaufighter.

Because this radar technology was cutting edge and very secret in 1940, photographs of radar-equipped Blenheims are rare. However enough exist to make reasonably accurate models.

Since 2002, the Czech accessory manufacturer, Owl, have specialised in decals, resin and photoetch with a constant theme of night fighters. Initially in 1/72 scale, they have moved into 1/48 and 1/32. Their products have been well researched and produced.

This offering provides three sets of decals with two aircraft per set. There are roundels and fin flashes where appropriate for one model but they are common sizes and there should be no trouble modelling both aircraft from each sheet.

OWLDS72076 Blenheim Night Fighters Part 1

Blenheim Mk.IF, L1437, ZK-P, No. 25 Squadron RAF based at  Northolt (although at the time pictured this aircraft was detached to  Martlesham Heath ) early 1940. Flown by S/Ldr. J.R. Hallings-Pott  at end of November 1939 to attack the Borkum seaplane base, reputedly the first attack on enemy territory during WW2.

Blenheim Mk.IF, L8715, NG-R, No. 604 Squadron RAF, North Weald, end 1939. Used by later ace crew F/O John Cunningham (pilot) and Sgt. Jimmy Rawnsley (navigator, later radar operator) for several sorties.

OWLDS72077 Blenheim Night Fighters Part 2

This sheet depicts three turretless A.I.Mk.III radar equipped Blenheim Mk.Ifs with known serials, L1494, L4906, L8669, and codes BQ-G and BQ-V of 600 Sqn at Northolt in late 1939. The available photos are not sufficiently clear to match serials and codes. Their research is quite up to date as details of the turretless Blenheim 1F nightfighters are quite recent. It’s all explained here
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/64591-blenheim-if-night-fighters-new-pictures/

Also on the sheet is Blenheim Mk.IF, serial unknown, RO-X, No. 29 Squadron RAF, Digby, summer 1940. This  Blenheim was probably used by F/O L.G.H. Kells on 18/19 June 1940 to attack a He 111 claimed as a probable.

OWLDS72078 Blenheim Night Fighters Part 3

Blenheim Mk.IF, L8723, RE-A, 229 Squadron RAF, Digby, early 1940. This aircraft was from a shipping protection squadron. They did carry out radar trials but converted to Hurricanes before much operational use of Blenheims at night.

Blenheim Mk.IF, L1408, ZK-X, 25 Squadron RAF, Martlesham Heath, summer 1940. In July 1940 this Blenheim crashed after colliding with Blenheim L6722 during radar training.

Some of the Blenheims here need the addition of aerials for the AI Mk III radar, also readily available from Owl or you may prefer to scratch build your own.

Some rather specialised but useful decals – well researched and printed.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Owl Decals for these samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2017 by Ed Russell
Page Created 21 August, 2017
Last updated 21 August, 2017

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